Speaking of Forde, his little book on Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation (1518), entitled On Being a Theologian of the Cross includes a number of insights worth pondering. 1) Theological Thesis 15 of the Disputation states that free will could not “remain in a state of innocence, much less do good, in an active capacity, but only in its passive capacity” (pp. 57-58). Forde explains, “even before the fall Adam and Eve were upheld in the state of innocence not by their... Read more
In the Husbands and Treier volume, Robert Kolb discusses various contemporary Lutheran theologians who are attempting to bring Luther to bear on contemporary theology and life. He focuses attention on Gerhard Forde, Wilfried Harle, Oswald Bayer, and a few others. His discussion of the claim that “Justification is God’s killing and his making alive” is illuminating: “these Lutheran expositors of justification make specific Luther’s expression of the biblical teaching of justification in terms of dying and rising . . .... Read more
In the Husbands and Treier volume, Robert Kolb discusses various contemporary Lutheran theologians who are attempting to bring Luther to bear on contemporary theology and life. He focuses attention on Gerhard Forde, Wilfried Harle, Oswald Bayer, and a few others. His discussion of the claim that “Justification is God’s killing and his making alive” is illuminating: “these Lutheran expositors of justification make specific Luther’s expression of the biblical teaching of justification in terms of dying and rising . . .... Read more
Mark Seifrid has an important article contrasting Luther and Melanchthon on justification in the Husbands and Treier volume on the subject. He examines a private discussion between the two Reformers that took place in the home of Johannes Bugenhagen in 1536. A number of differences emerge, in their assessment of Augustine (neither is a pure Augustinian on justification), imputation, works and faith. Seifrid ends by noting that, despite their differences, Luther and Melanchthon did not part ways over the issue,... Read more
In an unsentimental discussion of the promise and difficulties of Christian community (in Freedom for Ministry ), Richard Neuhaus has these sage words about church fights: “Not infrequently, life together is mainly strife together. This commonly comes as a shock to young men and women entering the ministry. Among those who later leave to go into professional counseling or to take holy orders in the church of Health, Education, and Welfare, a frequent reason given is disillusionment with sheep who... Read more
In the twenty and seventh year to Asa king of Yehudah Reigned-as-king Zimriy seven days in Tirtzah. Not the people [were] encamping against Gibbethon which [was] to the Pilshetim. And heard the people who were encamping, saying, ?Zimriy bound-together and also struck the king.?E And they caused to be king, all Yisrael did, ?Omriy, commander of the host over Yisrael in that day in the camp. And ascended ?Omriy and all Yisrael with him from Gibbethon And they besieged against... Read more
In creating the world, Isaiah 48:13 tells us, God “laid the foundations of the earth.” In the context, this not only refers to Yahweh’s place at the origin of all things but His place at the end of all things: “I am He, I am the first, I am also the last” (v. 12). So, the fact that God creates also means that he sets the telos for His creation, directs it toward its consummation, where He is already waiting... Read more
INTRODUCTION Jeroboam?s dynasty has come and gone, and so has Baasha?s mirror-image dynasty. Omri initiates a new dynasty, and this is the most successful one in Israel?s history. It is also the most idolatrous one. THE TEXT ?In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri had reigned in Tirzah seven days. And the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. Now the people who were encamped heart it said, ?Zimri has conspired and has killed... Read more
[ This post, unfortunately, was accidentally deleted in a server crash and has not been recovered. Maybe someday Dr. Leithart will rewrite it. ] Read more
These thoughts are indebted to an article on Timon by Leo Paul S. de Alvarez in Alvis and West, Shakespeare as Political Thinker (ISI, 2000). 1) The play begins with a collection of Athenian artisans coming onstage, and we are immediately reminded that we are in Athens, the city of beauty and philosophy. Before he appears onstage, Timon has already been described as a patron of Athenian arts. The Poet assesses the Painter?s work by saying that the art ?tutors... Read more
Leithart
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